Blink 182, Alkaline Trio and Drug Church @ Darien Lake, Darien, NY 9-11-25

A few years ago, Blink 182 reunited with its co founder Tom DeLonge. They released a new record titled ‘One More Time…’ and set out on a huge worldwide tour. Well, 2 and half years later, the band finally have reached the Western New York area. Their date at Darien Lake this past Thursday night was their first area appearance since 2016. They brought with them Alkaline Trio and Drug Church.

First up was band called Drug Church. The post hardcore band formed in Albany of 2011 and have released 5 albums and several EP’s. Their 30 minute set consisted of 10 songs. They opened up with “Grubby” off of 2018’s ‘Cheer’ album. Led by singer Patrick Kindlon, the band dished out some heavy numbers that featured “Fun’s Over” and “Weed Pin.” They didn’t say much in between and focused on the music for the most part. I’m not sure if that was enough as I feel didn’t the band made a connection to the mostly post punk audience.

In the secondary spot was a band called “Alkaline Trio.” This band has been around for almost 30 years and Blink 182 fans will have familiarity with them. That is because they are led by is led by guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba. Skiba filled in with Blink 182 during Tom DeLonge’s absence. Skiba is joined by Dan Andriano on bass and Atom Willard on drums. Their 45 minuet set was a solid as they come. They opened up with an oldie but a goodie in “From Here to Infirmary.” They dedicated “Bad Time’ to Drug Church and “This Could Be Love” to Blink 182. I though the trio packed a punch and was really impressed with their overall performance.

Blink 182 closed the show in front of 18,000 people. Their small and no frills stage setup included a resemblance of a small club that only used stage lightening. The small club had various graffiti and band posters on the backdrop. Blink 182 took to the stage at 9pm and bassist Mark Hoppus had a Grand Poohbah Bills mafia hat on for “Rock Show.” He tossed it out in the crowd after they finished the song. DeLonge went out into the pit to get up and close with the fans for “M&M’s.” Hoppus and DeLonge were slinging joked back and forth and then Hoppus said he was never more happy when DeLonge left the band. This playful interaction led into he song ‘FUCK FACE.” Even though it was DeLonge and Hoppus out front, it was really Travis Barker’s show. He was front and center the entire time and his steady playing steered the Blink 182 ship the entire show. The bands biggest hits were saved until right before the end in “What’s My Age Again” and “All the Small Things.” The vocals between Hoppus and DeLonge all night were spot on too.

It was along wait but well worth it. Blink 182 delivered a high quality show and the near capacity crowd hopes it won’t be that long before they play the area again.

Setlist:

The Rock Show

First Date

Josie

Anthem Part Two

Online Songs

M & M’s

FUCK FACE

Dumpweed

Felling This

Down

TURPENTINE